Helms Bakery

For California locals familiar with Los Angeles history, the name **Helms Bakery** evokes a powerful sense of nostalgia. This modern establishment, located on Helms Avenue, is a vibrant and high-quality revival, paying "great tribute to the former Helms bakery," which was a beloved institution that served bread across the LA region throughout the early and mid-20th century. Today, Helms Bakery stands as a contemporary **Bakery** and cafe, offering much more than just baked goods. It has evolved into a full-service culinary destination where patrons can enjoy specialty coffee, gourmet meals, and a curated selection of artisan groceries.

This modern iteration successfully blends its historical roots with a sophisticated menu designed for today's discerning Los Angeles palate. The bakery is particularly lauded by local regulars for its exceptional bread. The **sourdough** is a standout product, frequently described as "really good," available as both a whole loaf ($10.00) or a half loaf ($7.00). However, the menu extends well beyond bread. Helms Bakery offers a diverse array of fresh, savory lunch options, including gourmet **Sandwiches** like the Helms Egg Salad and Jambon Beurre, as well as hearty **Combo Plates** featuring items like **Faroe Island Salmon** and **1/2 Rotisserie Chicken**. This breadth of offering ensures it caters to a wide range of needs, whether you're looking for a quick morning coffee or a substantial lunch.

While the savory offerings and quality bread are a clear strength, some local customers have expressed a desire for improvement in the dessert and pastry categories. Reviews note that while the pastries look beautiful, they can be "overly sweet and a bit dry," suggesting room for recipe refinement to better suit various tastes. Despite this feedback on some sweets, the cafe's overall value proposition—combining a mini-mart grocery selection, a full coffee shop, and a delicious lunch spot—makes it a compelling local choice for a variety of needs. The pleasant environment, excellent savory dishes, and quality coffee ensure it remains a popular spot in the West LA area.

Location and Accessibility

Helms Bakery is located at **3220 Helms Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90034, USA**. This address places it squarely within the historic and now trendy Helms Bakery District near Culver City, adjacent to the old factory that has been creatively repurposed into a major home décor and design center.

Accessibility is a key advantage for this location, especially given the busy nature of the surrounding area. The establishment offers multiple convenient parking options: a **free parking lot**, **on-site parking**, and the availability of **paid street parking**. This makes visiting for a **quick stop** or an extended meal easy for California drivers. The bakery is also dedicated to accommodating all patrons, featuring a **wheelchair accessible entrance**, a **wheelchair accessible parking lot**, and a **wheelchair accessible restroom**. Service options are flexible, including **in-store shopping, onsite services, takeout, and dine-in**, allowing customers to choose their preferred method of engagement.

Services Offered

• Specialty Coffee Shop: Full-service offerings including **Cappuccino, Latte, Cold Brew, Royal Latte, Matcha Latte, and Helms Brewed Coffee**, with a **Coffee Traveler** option for large groups.
• Artisan Bread: Specializes in high-quality bread, most notably its excellent **Sourdough** loafs.
• Gourmet Sandwiches: Offers a concise menu of freshly prepared sandwiches, such as the **Helms Egg Salad Sandwich** and the classic French-inspired **Jambon Beurre**.
• Hot and Cold Combo Plates: Features lunch specials with high-quality protein, including **Combo Plate: Faroe Island Salmon** and **Combo Plate: 1/2 Rotisserie Chicken**, often paired with a choice of cold sides.
• Extensive Side Dish Selection: A wide variety of savory cold and hot sides available, such as **Pesto Pasta Salad, Beet And Feta Salad, Grilled Broccolini, and Caramelized Sweet Potato**.
• Desserts and Pastries: Offers individual sweets like the **Triple Chocolate Brownie, Nutella Stuffed Cookie,** and **Olive Oil Cake & Pistachio Buttercream Slice**.
• Curated Groceries and Snacks: Acts as a mini-mart selling unique, gourmet grocery items like specialty **Torres Flavored Potato Chips** (Truffle, Caviar) and premium beverages.
• Merchandise: Sells branded items such as **Helms Canvas Bags** in various colors.
• Inclusive Environment: Identifies as **LGBTQ+ friendly** and a **Transgender safespace**, welcoming all members of the community.
• Convenient Payment: Accepts **Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments**.

Features / Highlights

• Historic LA Institution Revival: The cafe stands as a modern tribute to the original, highly celebrated Helms Bakery that was integral to Los Angeles history.
• Outstanding Sourdough Bread: Consistently highlighted by local patrons as a top-tier product that is worth the visit alone.
• Diverse Full-Meal Menu: Goes beyond typical bakery offerings with high-quality, substantial savory dishes like **Rotisserie Chicken** and **Faroe Island Salmon**, perfect for a full lunch.
• Abundant Free Parking: A significant feature in this busy LA neighborhood, offering a **free parking lot** and **on-site parking** for stress-free visits.
• Unique Gourmet Groceries: Provides a select range of imported and specialty snacks, like the high-end Torres chips, adding a mini-mart experience.
• Prime Location with Outdoor Seating: Located in the desirable and redeveloped Helms District, offering an **outdoor terrace** that faces the impressive old factory building.
• Commitment to Inclusivity: Ensures a welcoming and safe environment for all members of the LA community, identified as **LGBTQ+ friendly** and a **Transgender safespace**.
• Specialty Coffee Bar: A full range of espresso and specialty drinks that rivals dedicated coffee shops.

Contact Information

Address: 3220 Helms Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90034, USA

Phone: (323) 910-2820

Mobile Phone: +1 323-910-2820

What is worth choosing Helms Bakery

For Californians in the Los Angeles area, choosing Helms Bakery is a decision to embrace history while enjoying high-quality, contemporary cuisine. This is a local establishment that excels in several key areas. Firstly, the **sourdough bread** is a confirmed local favorite, offering a staple product of exceptional quality that is ideal for daily enjoyment. Secondly, the cafe’s ability to serve a full, delicious lunch—from fresh, gourmet sandwiches to **Rotisserie Chicken** and **Faroe Island Salmon Combo Plates**—makes it a far more versatile dining option than a traditional bakery. This expansive savory menu is a huge draw for those working in or visiting the Helms District.

Perhaps most importantly for LA locals, the convenience and atmosphere are top-notch. The provision of **free on-site parking** in such a desirable area is a massive benefit that saves time and stress. The ability to dine-in, enjoy the **outdoor terrace**, or quickly grab items to-go adds to the flexibility. Furthermore, the commitment to an **inclusive environment** and its unique status as a **revival store** paying homage to a significant LA landmark makes Helms Bakery a unique and valuable part of the local community, ensuring that your visit is both satisfying and culturally enriching. It is a must-visit for a quick, quality breakfast or a full, robust lunch in the Culver City area.

Helms Bakery

3220 Helms Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90034, USA